COVER STORY

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Eve Lowey

Owner, Newport Beach-based Chameleon Design and Studio Chameleon

20 Women to Watch, continued ...Published: March 01, 2011

Hometown: Newport CoastAge: 53Family: Husband, Eric, two sons and a daughterFirst job:
When I was in third grade, my mom taught me how to sew, and I used to
make a lot of my own clothes. When I turned 16, Cloth World was the
perfect first job for me.Worst job:
The worst job by far was when I was still in high school in Houston. I
worked at a store that was kind of like a Kmart, but it was some smaller
chain. I was a part-time switchboard operator and also worked part time
at the snack bar. The only problem was that the snack bar sold donuts
and caramel corn – two things I love. I quit the job mostly because
after some time, I was gaining too much weight!Biggest break: I
was working in the commercial design industry, and a friend of mine had
a split with his partner. I had the skill set that he needed for his
business, and he gave me the opportunity to join his partnership. I
worked with him for a few years, and this position was instrumental in
introducing me to the new housing development industry. When we sold the
company in the early ’90s, I opened up Chameleon Design, which I’ve had
now for more than 20 years.Secret to your success: I’m optimistic and I never give up.Advice to other women in business:
Learning how to run a company and manage people is never over. I’ve
been on my own for over 20 years, and there are still things to learn.

Seeing
the economic downturn’s impact on commercial design and the housing
industry, Lowey – whose 20-year-old Chameleon Design services top
homebuilders and commercial developers – decided a few years ago to
expand her business into private residential design and the retail
sector by opening Studio Chameleon with a focus on furnishings and
private design consultation.

“I’m happy to say, though, that
Chameleon Design and Studio Chameleon are strong and solid during a time
when I’ve watched other businesses and industries collapse,” Lowey
says. “I’m thankful that I took the risk to expand, and it’s paid off.”

This year, she’s launched an online store and expanded her design services to projects internationally.

“It’s been a thrill of a ride,” she says, “and I’m looking forward into a bright future doing what I love to do.”